Saturday, 31 December 2016

Happy New Year

I'm not sure that I think 2016 was a particularly good year, if I'm honest. My faith in politics and humanity have been shaken more than once, and I don't think Britain is the country I thought it was this time last year. Personally, we've had our ups and downs over these last twelve months as I'm sure you have too - it can't all be roses every day.

But I spent some time going back over my posts and photos from the last year and there are many moments of joy and happiness, and moments of intense calm and peacefulness too. Whether it's at home cooking or walking in the woods or by the sea, family celebrations or creative projects, there has been a lot to celebrate and certainly a good deal to be thankful for in 2016

enjoying our back garden // a wonderful camping trip in Derbyshire with friends // an amazing family holiday in the Loire Valley with family

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Autumn

walks on the beach // cooking, lots and lots of cooking // walks in the woods // a holiday on the North Norfolk coast

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Winter

the changing landscape and wintry light // my first pair of socks // the arrival of Molly // family traditions

How was 2016 for you? Do you have plans or resolutions for next year? I'd love to know what they are. But I hope that 2017 brings you peace and happiness and wish you a very happy new year. Thank you so much for reading, for your interest and friendship. You are a lovely lot.

I share your feelings about Britain and the political state of the world. 2016 was a very mixed year for me. It is 10 years since my lovely son James died so that felt significant, Dan got into med school but that meant he moved away again. Sewing gave me purpose, and I had a wonderful trip to Rome. I hope 2017 is a better year for us all. Thanks for sharing some of your life and your wonderful family. Xx

I think Blogland is a wonderful respite from the horrors of the world. I always enjoy popping in here and seeing your creations and especially enjoy your walks by the sea. We had a fab day on West Wittering beach on Boxing Day and stayed until sunset for the keen photographers. And Folkestone the other day was a revelation with the mid-20th century groove of its creative quarter. It even has its own mermaid (a bronze cast by Cornelia Parker) sitting on the rocks. Happy New Year Gillian.

It's good to reflect on the past year, remember the good times and perhaps learn from the bad. 2016 has indeed been an Interesting Year. I wish you all that you wish for yourself, Gillian. Happy New Year! Sam xx

It's been a horrible year for me: the deaths of two much-loved family members, a summer overcast by the illness of another, my employer went into liquidation and my own health has dramatically suffered. On the other hand, I enjoyed wonderful sunny holidays in Somerset, Cornwall and Guernsey, but those memories can't supplant the difficult ones. I can't wait to boot 2016 out of the back door and welcome the new year. Happy New Year, Gillian, onwards and upwards. x

Happy New Year! I hope 2017 is good to all of you. This past year was a strange one, that's for sure. I don't really make resolutions but I hope for happy times and good memories from the coming year, whatever form that may end up taking.

Now that was a lovely post to end the year. Mine was a disaster as blogger decided it had a mind of its own. I'm with you on national & international issues and think the world has changed immensely, but then I suppose we all change & move forward anyway, so making the best of what we have is the way to go. Thank you for your friendship too, through blogging. Happy New Year to you & your family and take care.

Happy New Year Gillian. Thank you for the beauty and calm and common sense you bring to our blog world. I hope you know how good you are at this, really one of the best. You act as a touchstone for some of the most important things; family, home, food, love, the seasons, beauty and still protect the privacy of your family. I hope that 2017 will be joyful for you and those you love.

Lovely to see photos from each season of the year. I have a page of resoslutions under different headings. Some still remain unbroken. I am determined to do better with the whole writing thing. And be healthier. Oh you know what I'm like. Maybe some of it will stick. I am an eternal optimist. Wishing you and yours a wonderful and happy 2017 Gillian. CJ xx

In 2017 I'm hoping to finally become a homeowner and also to get an all clear, or at least good news, from some scan results I'm waiting for. 2016 was rubbish for us as two houses purchases fell through and I suffered a horrible illness for 6 months as well (none of which I have realy mentioned on my blog) so I'm glad to see the end of the year and thinking it's onwards and upwards into 2017 now - hopefully it's going to be much better!

2016 shook my to my core. I have lost so much faith in my fellow Americans. Yet 2017 is here even if I am not prepared for all the horrible changes in store. We must move on thosuhg. Happy New Year, let us hope is some way it is better.

It has been a disconcerting year. I have had moments of the most intense stress, some deep sadness at the loss of a much loved father in law and some ridiculous happiness out and about in the new sports car. Talk about highs and lows!Your blog is a welcome respite and a happy place to visit so.....T*H*A*N*K*Y*O*U....and all the best to you for 2017 xxxxx

I really like your collage of 2016. As far as I'm concerned, 2017 can keep going pretty much like 2016 went for me - I have so much to be happy about and to be grateful for in my life. Of course I know there are millions out there much less fortunate than I am, but I won't beat myself up about that.Plans for 2017 include my annual Yorkshire holiday with my late husband's family in Ripon and at least one holiday with O.K.He will be 50 this year, so there will be a big "do" in May for him. But first, it is my sister's 50th and my Dad's 75th! No end to celebrations, it seems!

All the best to you and your family, Gillian. I am looking forward to seeing many more interesting and beautiful posts here on your blog.

It is an odd feeling isn't it, to think on one hand that this has been such an eventful, often negative year, on such a large scale, yet at the same time to recognise that in our own, small part of the world there have been such happy times. I can't ever see 2016 as anything but a wonderful year because of course our little boy was born, but it can be strange to reconcile that with the wider perspective. Here's hoping your 2017 is filled with plenty of lovely moments to treasure, and more positivity in general.

Happy New Year, Gillian! I love seeing the seasonal highlight collages of your 2016 🙂 Since you said you want to know... I cope with life past and present and future by daily trying to be open to the Holy Spirit to know God through Christ. In my sphere of influence I try to live lovingly and ask for forgiveness when I fail to do so. I pray for wisdom and mercy for all, and I try to live in an attitude of gratitude. There is much I thank God for: beauty in the world around me, including beautiful people like you and yours! xx